Fun Facts About Turtles

by Cindy ~ September 9, 2007

I received a beautiful little childrens’ book this week, that featured an image of a hatchling snappind turtle that I photographed near our home..the lil guy was too cute too pass by as he stumbled awkwardly across the trail.

Athough I recieved payment for the image usage, that was not and never has been what this 50-something lifelong naturalist picked up a camera as a youngster for. Images allow us to capture and share what to us is beauty..precious..things we hold dear and compelling moments of discovery. Coservation is my message- the fact that our own spaces, be they rural or not, hold trullly amazing and diverse life.. life that we are part of and depend on for our own survival as a species.

I’m not big on contests nor making x amount of $$ for what I do. Photography gives me joy- it gets me out in the wild, where I am at peace with the elements, smells, and music of the earth. A high school student from Tehachapi CA emaled me, asking permission to call for a project she was doing for a photo class..Sur e! I have an uncle that lives there and grew up 20 miles away.
‘What’s your best advice for someone going into nature photography?’

Study your subjects, learning their behaviors. Respect their needs and do no harm. Learn how to use your equipment and editing sotware. Don’t compare your work to others. Don’t get caught up in the myth that you need the most expensive equipment in your hands to get great shots- but do invest in good glass when you can. Experiment and practice..alot. Follow your inner vision and most importantly, have fun.

Now to find the energy to edit 50+ images for so many that have helped me in the last couple of months.. and the 20 or more that Im donating for calenders that well help raise much needed funding towards conservation efforts. I do what I can, inlcluding having fun with turtles :)

(the book can be ordered here.)